Hargeisa (Halbeeg) The leader of the breakaway Somaliland, Muse Bihi Abdi on Monday expressed his readiness to resolve the intractable dispute in Sool region.
The conflict between Puntland Somaliland has been likely to be far from burying the hatchet as both sides claim the ownership of Sool region.
Following days of trading accusations by the sides, Somaliland leader raised hopes of a breakthrough to end the military stand-offs in the region by calling for dialogue.
“Somaliland wants peace and is ready for peace, I am telling Somalia that we have been in chaos and lack of education for 27 years. We need no more fighting, I do not see fighting as necessary when we can resolve our differences through dialogue,” said Abdi.
The leaders called on the residents of Sool and Sanaag regions to live in harmony with one another.
His remarks come on the heel of Puntland’s announcements to launch the so-called liberation attacks on Sool and Sanaag region.
Puntland leader, Abdiweli Ali Gaas who spoke at the state’s assembly insisted that the two regions were part of Puntland state.
“There is no such a thing as Somaliland borders. The inhabitants of Sool and Sanaag regions belong to Puntland,” said Gaas.
Hargeisa base its claims on the imaginary boundaries set by the British during the colonial period as Puntland’s claim is based on clans agreement inked during the formation of the state two decades ago.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in the 1990s.
Despite relative stability and commendable governance, the region has not yet been recognized by international community.
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